AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani
Ambani's call to arms resonated with urgency and ambition. "We are focused on finishing among the top five, and we need to win against KCB to keep our hopes alive.
With the KPL and the FKF Cup titles out of our reach this season, we can only strive to finish in an honourable position," he said. Currently positioned sixth on the log with 50 points, Leopards find themselves tantalisingly close to their target.
A victory against KCB could propel them into the top five, contingent upon the outcomes of other matches, particularly the performance of fifth-placed Shabana against Ulinzi Stars.
The coach's confidence is bolstered by a squad free from injury concerns, a rarity in the gruelling landscape of football.
"We don't have any injury concerns, and we intend to pick the best personnel for the job. We are asking our fans to fill up the stadium because we intend to make them proud."
This fortuitous circumstance allows Ambani to field his strongest lineup, a strategic advantage he is keen to exploit.
Yet, beyond the tactical preparations, Ambani’s appeal to the fans to fill the stadium underscores a deeper connection between the team and its supporters.
He believes football is not merely a game, but rather, a communal experience that thrives on shared passion and collective hopes.
As the final whistle approaches, the aspirations of AFC Leopards extend beyond the present season. Ambani candidly revealed plans for the future, hinting at a deep dive into the transfer market to secure talent capable of elevating the team to new heights.
"We are already planning for next season and, hopefully, we can dig deep into the transfer market to get the best talent that can help push our ambitions to the next level best season," he said.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka head coach Ezekiel Akwana has said they won't be sparing Bidco United in their final match at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.
Currently seventh with 46 points, Sofapaka's objective is about establishing a foothold in the league and securing a respectable standing. The desire to finish ahead of Bandari, who sit eighth with 43 points, adds a layer of motivation.
"It is a tricky match because Bidco are keen to avoid relegation, and so I'm sure they are going to put up a fierce fight on Sunday. But I want to warn them that we will not make things any easier for them. We are determined to win," he said. "We don't want to slump down further into the lower echelons of the table," he said.
